MISSION: DRAKSTADEN

[futurologists]

DRAKSTADEN DOSSIER All characters, old or new, will receive a form of this dossier to their devices today. Thus, consider all information hereon as ICly available to all characters. Please direct all dossier questions below. For questions about the game in general, visit the FAQ. There is a separate page for locations. Mission: Drakstaden bounty board will remain open until the next mission begins, estimated late July. Ultimate mission direction and outcomes are determined by character action. Mission: Drakstaden is estimated to end in late June, but this is subject to change depending on how everything unfolds. MISSION: DRAKSTADEN PLANET: Jordvegur ORBITAL DISTANCE: 1.51 × 108 km DAY LENGTH: 23 hours ORBITAL PERIOD: 334 days ATMOSPHERE: Nitrogen 77.7%, Oxygen 21.1%, Argon 1.1%, Trace 0.1% DROP POINT: Democratic City-State of Drakstaden SEASON: Spring AVG. SURFACE TEMPERATURE: Daytime 9ºC (48ºF), nighttime 1ºC (34ºF) AVG. CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION: 89% SUNLIGHT PER DAY: Nine hours SHARD PRESENCE: Yes ASSIGNMENT: Guild Ophelia Jordvegur is a garden planet with roughly 70% of its surface covered in water, most of which is saltwater that forms oceans and seas. The geographic region Guild Ophelia will be spending time in is known as Heimland, inside an independent city-state called Drakstaden. Heimland is classified as a boreal or subarctic climate, with low flora biodiversity, cold and dry winters, and moderate and wet summers. The current season is spring, so expect moderately cold temperatures with high chances of rain. The natives are biologically analogous to humans, and will thus be referred to as such in this dossier. The local language, Heimlandish, has been uploaded to Ophelia's magitek, and will allow for mutual intelligibility and literacy. Heimland is home to a variety of boreal species such as beaver, caribou, foxes, mice, and wolves, but due to Drakstaden's urban environment, seeing such fauna is unlikely on this mission. Wild animals found in Drakstaden include frogs, mice, rats, ravens, and a variety of arthropods. Natives are known to keep domesticated cats and dogs as pets. MISSION: OBJECTIVES PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: PURGE CORRUPTION FROM THE GOVERNMENT. How this is achieved is up to Guild Ophelia. Your only given guidelines are to avoid annihilation of the lower class populace. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: RECOVER AND DESTROY TEMPORAL CRYSTAL SHARD. Each Ophelia member is supplied with a laser pen that, when pointed at the shard for 30 minutes, will safely destroy it. MISSION: BRIEFING The government of Drakstaden has always been a corrupt one, even before the Merging. Government officials taking bribes was always common, resulting in a culture where the 'haves' were much more privileged than the 'have-nots'. Despite this inequality, tensions hadn't yet boiled over. Since the Merging, however, things have only gotten worse. Prime Minister Magnus Ivarson wields his power with an iron fist, using it to benefit the privileged few and disenfranchise the rest. The people, who had once been content with bread and circuses, are starting to take notice and they aren't happy. The police force, known as the Vakdir, prowl the streets looking to squash rebellion. There is one form of rebellion they have not yet destroyed: Rost, an underground rebel group comprised mainly of hackers aiming to purge corruption from their government. Rost reached out to Hathaway with a distress signal, and Ophelia will be working directly with them to remove immorality from their government in whichever way they see fit. DRAKSTADEN: OVERIVEW Drakstaden is a densely populated megacity composed of unplanned, skyward development -- what one might consider a walled city. The city is an interconnected, nearly solid block of buildings that takes up six acres, with access to different buildings reached by a maze of haphazardly-planned hallways. Sunlight does not reach the lower levels of Drakstaden, where instead fluorescent and neon lighting reigns supreme. Technology has advanced to the point where all physical imperfections can be cured with cybernetic augments for a price, and the rich pay heavily for it. It's not only a status symbol, it's a necessity; one's imperfect vision, hearing, etc. will severely disadvantage them in this world, where all others have corrected what are perceived as defects. Drakstaden runs on robotics. The wealthiest of citizens have gone beyond correcting imperfections -- they want to go beyond what is humanly possible. Mechanically beating hearts, breathing lungs, and more are all on the table for those who can pay, as are enhanced limbs. Middle-class and below citizens also have cybernetic augments, but theirs are low-grade in both appearance and functionality. The city is quickly becoming a totalitarian state run by the Prime Minister and his corrupt police force, the Vakdir, who are suspected of running surveillance on their citizens. Propaganda is on every corner, although it's not always obvious; with technology as ubiquitous as it is here, it can be difficult to spot. The broadcasting station blares messages to all citizens, informing them of suspicious persons, curfew, and more. Everything one does here is carefully watched. Those who are not passably human will be given cloaking devices which will mask your appearance to all those outside Hathaway. Outsiders will be noticed, so it will be necessary to blend in with a false identity; papers will be forged, but convincingly playing the part will be just as important. Invent a false identity and commit to it. —Compiled by Analyst Iovita

Comments

[kisha]

Quick question about the cloaking devices. That seems like it will work great for characters who are shaped like humans but are different colored or what not, but it’s just a visual effect right? What about characters like Hayame who physically take up the space of multiple humans? I feel like it would cause a fuss in a crowded city if people are bumping into horse rear they can’t see lol- is that what I should work with, or?

[futurologists]

Good question! If you'd like to play around with the awkwardness of natives bumping into her invisible back half, you certainly can!

Alternately, Hathaway can provide her with a piece of magitek jewelry of your choice that will physically transform her human for the duration of the mission.

[evenslimmer]

So for characters who have cybernetics/robotics or keep getting mistaken for one: what is the difference between low/middle class augmentations vs upper class? In terms of like form of the augmentations but also in terms of ostentatiousness of augmentation as you move through the social strata. Is it an indication of higher social status if you've literally grafted some kind of sweet cybernetic wetware on your face that lets you connect to the internet and watch all your soaps and check your email AND fixes your nearsightedness, vs just replacing your eyes with mechanical/electronic ones? Or are there like fashions in augmentation (if you're somebody who can afford to care about that)?

[futurologists]

Visually, upper class cybernetics will look it: they'll be sleek and beautiful, with curves and embellishments suited to its wearer. Cybernetics in this situation are analogous to prosthetics or replacements, like limbs or eyes. Augments such as connection to the local WiFi with your brain will not be very visible, such as a small node on the back of the neck.

For lower class people, cybernetics will look slipshod and cobbled together, and augments will be very visible. The middle class will be somewhere between the two, depending on how much they can afford.

In other words, replacements and augmentations exist for all classes, but the more rich someone is, the better they'll look!

[refashioned]

I have a question about paladin armor! Since it's sleek and advanced technology, would it stand out? Would it be taken as something that would look like them armoring themselves, or would it fit right in? Obviously, it's not a part of their persons, but it's something they wear when they're doing fighty stuff. Or would the armor be something they'd use to cloak since it offers additional protection to the paladins?

[futurologists]

Generally speaking, armor of any type would look quite out of place in Drakstaden; the only ones who wear anything of the sort are the Vakdir, and even that is military-grade. It's of course up to Keith if he cares about this or not, but wearing his armor wouldn't help him blend in!

[somelikeitcold]

will todoroki need to do anything about his heterochromia/dual hair color to blend in? or would that just be dismissed as a guy being Weird

[futurologists]

No, that sort of thing wouldn't turn any eyes! Natives are used to seeing dyed hair and the like.

[rhinostagros]

Hi mods! A few questions.

If Laphicet decides go into his invisible form for whatever reason (maybe snooping around past curfew and other places) - would the natives' robotics pick up on his presence through heat signature or anything like that?

Can he use his Inventor specialization to create some sort of cybernetic-looking "casing" for his arm or hand, to try to get himself to pass off as a native? Or would that be too difficult (since he's also still a Level 1)?

[futurologists]

Unless he leaves a heat signature while invisible, they are unlikely to detect him if he is careful.

And yes, that would be fine! Since his specialization is just level one they would pretty easily be able to tell that it's fake, but it's not unheard of for someone to try fashioning homemade cybernetics to look more affluent, so that would not be a cause for suspicion.

[hackedhistory]

Will the technologically savvy/inventors be able to get familiar with the tech in question before they hop in, or are they going to have to learn as they go?

Alternatively, as a more pointed question, Zari canonly has developed code that would hide her from security cameras and the like (you can see it in use here) - will she possibly be able to edit that for Drakstaden cameras/surveillance, or is that above her specialization level?

[futurologists]

They don't have any samples of technology in advance, so Ophelia will have to learn it on the fly! And while it might take some time and trial and error to adapt her code to Drakstaden systems, Zari should eventually be able to block herself from camera view. Please note that this is due to her established coding abilities and not her spec level, just to avoid confusion!

[mitthrawnaruto]

Ay mods quick question about the cloaking devices for non humans! Can their projections be programmed to mimic the look of cybernetic enhancements?

(I realize they won't work or anything, but uh, I figure unless everyone's playing 'cyber I-spy' over hors d'oeuvres that might not be a huge issue at a cursory glance)

[futurologists]

Hi, Avali! Nonhumans who are given cloaking devices can program them to give them whatever appearance they'd like. This includes cosmetic cybernetics, though be careful not to let anyone touch your cool metal arm unless you want them to learn that it feels weird and fleshy.

[temperedavatar]

Just for my own reference, what types of metals are typically used in the cybernetics and robotics on this world? Korra can metalbend but only if the metal isn't highly purified like platinum.

[futurologists]

Hi, Erica! The more expensive a cybernetic or augment is, the more refined its components will be: carbon fibers, titanium, silver, and diamond. For the less expensive and cobbled together cybernetics of the lower classes, they are composed of metals that are more basic, like steel.

In the same vein, robotics that are government property will be composed of refined materials, while the robotics of the poorer classes will be simpler.

[deemed]

Hey mods!! For the BIG BROTHER bounty, what are the consequences if a character isn't subtle about it?

[futurologists]

If anyone is openly trying to interfere with government property, they should expect immediate attention from the Vakdir. They will then have to either escape them and spend the rest of the mission avoiding detection, or they will be imprisoned without trial. It's up to you what you decide, but please let us know if you have them jailed so we can let the rest of the game know!

[wolfchild]

In the case of large animals who shouldn’t be left behind because their ~good behavior is dependent on their human leash being present, will the cloaking devices make them seem more normal or give them a robotic appearance? Or would they be physically transformed into something that wouldn’t stand out?

[futurologists]

Hi, Alcy! This is something we'll leave up to you; you can have your character's animal companion cloaked as a robotic-looking version of itself or a mundane animal such as a dog or cat.

[rev]

Hi mods! Technology-related questions: what kind of weapons are typically made/found/used here? For both Rost and the Vakdir if they would have something different as a result of class separation. Would they be bound to the person using it with fingerprint/DNA recognition or could our characters potentially obtain them down the line if a situation calls for it?

[futurologists]

Hi, Ray! Weapons found throughout Drakstaden -- apart from shivs and bludgeoning objects -- include laser bladed weapons, laser guns, and regular guns. They are not biolinked to their owners in any way, though Vakdir weapons in particular have a certain uniquely sleek look to them so they are very obvious if they're in the wrong hands.

In order to obtain a specific weapon, you can request one through the purple bounty system. Some of the bounties also have weapons as rewards, though these are dependent on character action.

[tropism]

questions about tech, etc.

giorno can .... frankenstein body parts from inorganic things as seen in his info page. what's the effect on that on tech/augmentations? how much can he do, and what can't he do?

i'm more or less interested in side-effects; if his stand works out great for any augments, cool, but if it doesn't, i'm really interested in how badly it'll mess with the user, and for how long.

[futurologists]

#yikes

This is definitely possible, but since the people of Drakstaden pay good (or at least decent) money for their cybernetics, they will not be happy if he decides to turn their prosthetics organic. It's up to you how horrible you want to make it -- a bulky, robotic-looking arm may not translate to a normal-looking flesh and blood limb, for example!

[selfimage]

Hi mods! A couple of questions I wanted to run by you with Loki's abilities and how they relate to the mission:

1. There are a bunch of illusions that he can used, including mocking up himself as someone else. What kind of surveillance is there around that he might need to keep an eye out for?
   
2. He will, inevitably, try to hit the Upper Levels to scope them out with all of his sneaky gear a-blazing. Since the Upper Levels are locked until the 28th, is there anything to deter him from sneaking (illusions, invisibility, teleporting) in there? (I'm sorry about him.)
   
3. Are there any detainment facilities on the lower/mid levels? Loki may want to scope out the security there.

Thanks!!

[futurologists]

Hi, Veronica!

The surveillance drones only observe visually, so as long as the illusions are visual in nature, there should be no problem.

We don't actually have any IC reasons for characters to avoid the upper levels; this is because we are introducing them in the second log for narrative purposes. So you may have to come up with a reason why he wouldn't explore there yet!

As for jails, the only jail complex is in the upper level in Vakdir headquarters.

[undeserved]

Quick question! What would their reaction to/perception of an ultra-humanoid android like 2B be? Would they just assume she was human based on her visual appearance, or do they have biotechnology that could detect that she's a robot or anything like that? This is mostly for reference of where she'd fall on their class system.

[futurologists]

The security systems around work visually, so as look as she looks human, she'll pass as human! The same goes for most of the Drakstaden citizens; even the Vakdir don't typically carry around biometric scanners, so behavior is more likely to give someone away than their appearance. While the people of this world are used to robots and androids in general, they're usually more obviously metal, so it's safe to assume they'll think she's human.

[persists]

Hi mods! Amazing worldbuilding — a little newbie like me is in awe of this setting. I have a question....... which I hope is answerable!


1. Are there any NPC figures in the middle-levels that have made a name for themselves as doing good/assisting with Rost? I know the mission details explain a zero policy for anyone against the propaganda, but will Rost be able give leads on people who, in theory, could be well suited to replace the corrupt in power? Ciri is not a fan of getting involved in politics, but if they're to remove threat — she understands that it leaves room for the rich and greedy to simply replace. She'd like to find candidates for their successor, just in case they do remove someone forcefully from power!

[futurologists]

Hey there! As we've mentioned, even speaking unfavorably against the current government is enough to be detained (and worse), so people make a decided effort not to be labeled rebel sympathizers. While they do exist, like the rebellion members at Rost, they do not do so freely with open identities. Likewise, some politicians put up a good forward-facing persona, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're clean. If you'd like to pursue this option, we recommend doing so with a team, as it would take time, effort, and discretion to find NPCs that fit the bill!

[rhinostagros]

Hi again, mods!

Is there any additional (either relevant or irrelevant for their current mission) information about Drakstaden government that they might learn from Edvard, like something he might have heard secondhand from tourists long ago in the past?

I might follow-up on this question depending on how the mission goes— can Laphicet also ask him if Edvard has any plans afterward, once Ophelia's finished with their missions on Drakstaden?

[futurologists]

Hi, there! Edvard doesn't have a great understanding of the sociopolitical climate as few people speak to him, and he doesn't get out much! He would mention that they don't get many visitors -- the hotel hasn't had other guests in a long time. While Drakstaden is open for tourism, it seems that few people in the rest of this world see much value in dropping by.

Additionally, he's not privy to Hathaway or Rost's plans, so it would be best not to mention them! If asked, he would react with a great deal of confusion.

[secondnature]

Hi!

I have a few questions about popular culture and, separately, the spread of cybernetics.

Is all of the popular culture that's relevant in magazines and on the TVs made within the city proper, or do they have it outsourced from elsewhere in the world? Does that mean they have figurehead celebrities, or is there a limit to how much propaganda they can provide because it's difficult to make TV shows in a city like this one? And if there are other cities in this world, how do they respond to Drakstaden? Is that something that can be found through the internet cafes?

As for cybernetics, is the prevalence of cybernetics unique to Drakstaden, or is that elsewhere? Are the characters posing as "outsiders visiting a hotel" at first, or what? And does Rost know about Ophelia's makeup? (IE that they're a bunch of dimension trotting bros.)

[futurologists]

Hi, Alison! Programming is predominantly local -- the vast majority of all television shows and similar entertainment are produced within Drakstaden. The internet in the cafes is equally insular, with the network from the "outside" either unavailable or heavily scrubbed. It's safe to say the government has a strong hold on most of the media content throughout the city, save for some illegal connections at the Rost hideaway. If characters use the Rost internet connection to view foreign opinion on Drakstaden, it is largely quiet, with some public denouncement of the state of affairs but no real efforts to do anything about it.

The rest of the world has advanced cybernetics as well! What's unique to Drakstaden is how integral these augmentations are to socioeconomic status. In general, Drakstaden is isolated and of little public interest, drawing very few tourists with its poor reputation and conditions of the lower levels. Hathaway agents are encouraged instead to pretend that they're natives to the city, and their forged papers will reflect that.

Finally, Rost knows all about Hathaway; it seems they did their research before hiring them! We hope this clears things up.

[vrm]

two questions that are unrelated*!!! HELLO MODS ily so much, i'm glad to be back among you

1. is there any information (common knowledge or rumored) available regarding what exactly happens to the government dissenters who are "never seen again"? ie. are they outright killed or are they sent away?

2. re: the government propaganda channel, is there information on what company or individual? runs or supports this and where the channel is broadcasted from? looking for information related to to a potential subplot regarding hijacking the signal, YOU KNOW THE DRILL

*potentially related

[futurologists]

Welcome back, Pax!

1. There's very little information about this! There's rumors of worse, but also people who claim that all the jailings are overexaggerated to begin with. Characters can draw their own conclusions, but there's nothing that confirms the truth either way.

2. The propaganda and television network in general is outputted from the City-State Broadcast Station! The news is a public broadcast, which means it's largely funded by the government. We'll have something on characters visiting the upper levels where the station is on the next log, so we recommend holding off on this idea for just a bit!

[interior]

Kovacs is going to ask Edvard for a full list of his and the hotel's amenities and functions (because AI hotels where he's from come with big guns and can become qualified therapists when requested). Will he just get a run down of what's described on the log or has Edvard got any tricks up his sleeves?

[futurologists]

Yes, everything mentioned in the log is everything the hotel can do. Unfortunately, there is no hidden menu!

[theseuschip]

What would the status of someone like Simon, who because of the cloaking device appears totally human but has metal bits and audibly mechanical eyes and the like, be in Drakstaden? Would it be easier or harder to pass as well-off, since augmentations that subtle would probably be pretty expensive but the upper class values visible ones?

[futurologists]

We'll leave this up to you! It may be more difficult to pass as upper class as a stranger to the city, but it's certainly possible. Augments are also common amongst the more well-to-do middle class -- or perhaps he's a lower class person who managed to get augments on the black market! Whatever would be the most fun for you to play.

[persists]

DROPKICKS BACK IN. i have another question!

What can you tell me about DOCTOR LUNDBERG? Is he "highly respected" among those in the lower levels since he offers cheap surgery? Is he more business-savvy than charitable with his demeanor? What would his reputation be from mere street rumors/without directly interacting?

He may be someone Ciri is interested in speaking with or at least studying more, so anything relevant would be aces! Thanks, mods!

[futurologists]

"Doctor" Lundberg is more of an opportunist with (rumored) connections to the black market than any kind of altruistic medical professional. The lower level citizens don't hold him in particularly high regard -- and anyone who talks about him will mention knowing someone who had post-surgical complications after getting cybernetics from him -- but he's the only option for those who don't have a lot of money.

[damnpire]

For the specialization bounty RED TAPE, D would like to ask the employees of Drakstaden Cybernetics why KlarTech specifically has been defunded.

If this was just for flavor and doesn't have any real plot bearing, though, lmk! He would just be curious whether or not discontinuing the service of this brand had any political leanings.

In a similar vein as Lundberg, can you tell me a bit about how Gunnar is perceived by the mid- and lower-level public? D would likely try to send people that way for basic repairs until an alternative is found, but not if he just deals in selling parts and/or is as shady as the "doctor."

[futurologists]

The employees' only answer is that KlarTech has been defunded by order of the Drakstaden Government; they don't have a reason and they don't need one. This can be further investigated once characters have the opportunity to explore the Democratic Complex in the next log!

As for Gunnar, he is known as being a good man, though a bit surly and rough around the edges (his twin sister Inger is friendlier), and many people -- particularly those in the middle class -- are somewhat wary of the rumors that he deals in the black market. He knows enough about cybernetics to do very basic repairs, but is unable to offer the same surgery options that Lundberg does.

[hackedhistory]

More questions about the security drones, specifically in reference to the Big Brother bounty.

When they say "disable" do they necessarily mean "destroy" or do they simply mean finding a way to circumvent their ability to record? Also are they susceptible to weather effects? Like strong wind, etc?

[futurologists]

They do suggest disabling, not destroying the drones! Even if it's the easier solution, drone destruction is much more likely to draw unwanted attention. Wind and weather fluctuations would at least ground them, but it's recommended to keep any damage to a minimum, or frame it so it looks accidental. The less visible the signs of foul play, the better, and blatant destruction will quickly draw Vakdir retaliation.

[somelikeitcold]

does drakstaden have ONLY a prime minister, or does it also have some kind of legislative body like a congress or a parliament? what about a court system?

[futurologists]

The prime minister sits at the head of a larger parliament, and there is a judicial system! However, the people in power tend to stay in power, with no real competition or opposing parties with ideals that might better support the lower classes. Everyone in power is on the same page, which is why corruption goes so unchecked, and voting is largely for show.

[interior]

I know you've covered a bit of this in your answer to Alison, but how readily accessible is information about the world outside Drakstaden and what kind of state it's in? Will Drakstaden citizens talk about it much, or is it a dangerous topic? Do they ever travel outside the city much?

I'm mindful this is me tugging on an idea that could unspool a whole lot of probably unnecessary worldbuilding work, so to let you know what I'm aiming at: specifically Kovacs is looking at what kind of governments exist outside Drakstaden, what their opinions are of Drakstaden, and also to see if there's any chance the corruption has been created by/is supported by an outside nation and/or if Rost could find some support that way.

[futurologists]

Hi, Koke! The Drakstadish are familiar with the outside world on a surface level, restricted to what they are taught in government-sponsored schools or government-approved Internet. Current events are largely unknown; they mostly know about history and geography-related topics. It's not exactly dangerous to talk about the outside world, but there isn't much to say. As far as travel, most citizens never leave Drakstaden: the upper class because they don't want to, and the lower classes because they can't afford it.

If Kovacs accesses the illegal connection to the "wider" Internet in Rost headquarters, he will find that other nations have decried the human rights violations in Drakstaden and many have cut off trade until situations improve, but none seem to be attempting to actively do anything. Global governments include democracies and republics, monarchies, and constitutional monarchies. As far as Kovacs can tell, there is no evidence of outside support of the current Drakstaden government, other than tinfoil hat theories he might find on social media.